A Couple of Picks from Givenchy Le Soin Noir & Vax’in Skincare

With environmental pollution what it is today, we can not take skin defence for granted.  I had tried out Givenchy’s prestigious Le Soin Noir skincare a few years ago when it was first released here in Singapore, and am glad to be reacquainted with a couple of them recently.  Coupled with them, I was able to try out the newly released Vax’In for Youth City Skin Solution for a complete experience.

Givenchy Le Soin Noir first caught my attention with its captivating black bottles.  The range is formulated with Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate obtained from the depths of the ocean, and contains essential fatty acids and restores communications between skin cells.  This boosts natural repair and regeneration mechanisms, helping skin maintain its youthfulness and ease signs of aging.

The first step to any good skincare routine always begins with cleansing, and there is no more luxurious cleanser than Givenchy’s Le Soin Noir Ritual de Nettoyage [SGD148 for 175ml].  A unique black gel-cream transforms into a soft lather that envelops the skin in a comforting veil that gently cleanses without stripping away essential oils.  It is accompanied by a special Konjac sponge that softens when soaked in water, and is perfectly shaped to fit in my palm.  With it, I massage my soaped skin in circular motions, and it helps to exfoliate and invigorate my skin. Afterwards, simply rinse the sponge out and hang it up with the built-in string to dry.  The feeling afterwards is perfectly balanced and cleansed skin, that feels smoother and ready for the next step of skin pampering.

I always follow up my cleanser with a toner, and Givenchy Le Soin Noir Lotion [SGD181 for 150ml] is the perfect complement to the cleanser.  It is a crisp, clear lotion that feels slightly cool and refreshing on my skin.  Formulated with Vital Marine Water, this lotion creates the perfect environment for the Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate contained in the line’s other products, to optimise effectiveness of the entire ritual.  I pour the lotion on a cotton pad and sweep it over my face, and instantly my skin feels hydrated and plumped.

Moving onto serums, Givenchy Vax’In for Youth City Skin Solution targets the effects of pollution and helps to boost skin rejuvenation.  The StoPollution Complex is able to neutralise pollutants and block ozone from coming into contact with the skin, thereby preventing free radical damage to the skin barrier.  In addition, Vax’In for Youth Complex helps skin reproduce the naturally occurring HSP70 molecule which protects cell proteins and ensures optimal performance.  The HSP70 molecule also repairs damaged proteins and stimulates the elimination of bad proteins, thus maintaining healthy cellular activity.

The Givenchy Vax’In Youth Protecting D-Tox Serum [SGD141 for 30ml] is a lightweight milky fluid that comes in a plastic bottle with a reflective exterior and a dropper dispenser.  There is a clever little window at the side that allows you to see how much product is left inside the bottle.  Perhaps due to the viscosity of the product and the long narrow bottle design, I found the dropper does not pick up the product well.  The best way is to first untwist the cap, and then while the cap is still resting atop the bottle, depress the top of the cap and pick up as much of product as possible before drawing the dropper out.  Even then, it only picks up sufficient product for half my face, as shown in the picture above.

I found this D-Tox Serum very comforting, and have unconsciously been reaching for it over the past 2 months.  Though not a stated primary function of this serum, I found it rather moisturising.  On the other hand, Givenchy claims this serum will leave skin looking more radiant and over time, the grey cast in skin will fade away.  I did not notice this particular effect, but it keeps my skin soothed and more resilient to irritations.

Givenchy Vax’In Youth Protecting D-Tox Eye Serum [SGD90 for 15ml] is a milky fluid that comes in a small plastic bottle with a dropper.  Although the texture is slightly thicker than most eye serums, it is easily absorbed and leaves my eye area feeling comforted and soothed.  In addition to the 2 StoPollution and Vax’In for Youth complexes, this eye serum contains citrus derivative to combat dark circles, yeast extract to rejuvenate, and biosaccharide to reduce puffiness.  On its own, I find it nicely hydrating and soothes the easily irritated skin around my eyes.  I don’t necessarily find it erases my dark circles, although I have yet to find anything that will eradicate that problem.

Overall, I have really enjoyed trying out these Givenchy skincare products!  The Le Soin Noir collection is certainly a luxurious one, and I found the cleanser with its accompanying sponge to be a perfect pairing.  The Vax’In for Youth City Skin Solution duo are interesting, and anything that promises to help protect my skin from environmental pollution is a welcome addition to my beauty arsenal.

Have you tried any skincare from Givenchy before?

_{This post featured products that were kindly provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}